Community Launches ‘Stronger Together’ Campaign

Kyle Knox

Gila River Indian News

As the Community continues to administer COVID-19 vaccines, a new media campaign aims to highlight the strength of the Gila River people throughout the pandemic. “Stronger Together” is a video series highlighting the efforts of various  Community organizations and that shares positive messaging promoting vaccinations.

The campaign seeks to drive home the message that vaccinations can lead to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and a return to normalcy, including in-person events. 

“It doesn’t take the action of one person to make a change, but together we can make a change,” said Miss Indian Arizona Alyse Marrietta. “If I get my vaccine and I’m able to influence those around me to get the vaccine, we become stronger as a family.” 

Marrietta hopes more families will get vaccinated, leading to a ripple effect throughout GRIC and increased vaccination rates. She hopes that will lead to lower rates of infection and the return of canceled notable events from the last two years, like Mul-Chu-Tha.

Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council member Jada Young shared a video spotlighting all the virtual events the AOPPYC has hosted through the pandemic. 

“We have specifically hosted events bringing awareness and to strengthen all of our mental health because, as you know, it’s been a tough year,” said Young, who encouraged everyone to continue practicing COVID safety protocols and to get vaccinated. “I’m looking forward to a future when everything is safe, and we can all spend together and socialize face to face.” 

“What stronger together means to me is that, as a Community, we’re not only looking out for ourselves but for others around us, even other communities that aren’t Gila River,” said Jr. Miss Gila River Sineca Jackson. “Once we reach Community Immunity, I hope to get to meet everyone at all the events we host, as well as encouraging young ladies to run for GRIC royalty.” 

Videos highlighting new voices from the Community, organizations, and departments will continue to be released on the Gila River Indian Community Facebook page, which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/gilariver.